APPENDIX A 

Mitigation, Monitoring and 

Reporting Plan

 
 

 

 1 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Railroad 

Administration 

Mitigation, Monitoring and Reporting 

Plan for the Los Angeles to San Diego 

(LOSSAN) Proposed Rail Corridor 

Improvements EIR/EIS 

The California Department of Transportation (Department) and the U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) jointly prepared a programmatic 

environmental impact report / environmental impact statement (EIR/EIR) to analyze the impacts 

of approving a rail improvements program on the Los Angeles-to-San Diego (LOSSAN) rail 

corridor. As a joint document, the EIR/EIS was prepared in compliance with both the California 

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The 

Department is the State lead agency for purposes of compliance with CEQA and this mitigation, 

monitoring, and reporting plan fulfills the Department’s responsibilities in recommending 

mitigation for the Final EIR/EIS for the purposes of CEQA. 

This mitigation, monitoring, and reporting plan is designed to fulfill Section 21081.6 of CEQA, 

which requires public agencies to adopt a reporting or monitoring program whenever a project 

or program is approved that includes mitigation measures identified in an environmental 

document. The design practices and mitigation strategies described below are for a programlevel decision and are to be used to avoid, minimize, or reduce any potentially significant 

environmental impacts. Project-level activities will undergo future environmental analysis tiered 

from this EIR/EIS and as required by CEQA and NEPA. As part of these second-tier 

environmental reviews, the lead agency for each of these projects would be expected use the 

design practices and mitigation strategies identified in the program document as a starting point 

to determine their applicability to a specific project and to develop additional mitigation 

measures for significant adverse impacts identified in the project-specific analysis. Because all 

the potential actions and impacts for tiered projects cannot be anticipated at a programmatic 

level, future lead agencies will select those strategies appropriate and applicable to the impacts 

associated with the project location and type of action. For purposes of CEQA, the mitigation 

strategies in the Final EIR/EIS also serve as mitigation measures at a programmatic level. The 

CEQA/NEPA monitoring process includes review, guidance, and reporting components. The 

lead agencies for second tier documents will note which applicable programmatic mitigation 

strategies are being adopted and used for mitigation measures and explain why others are not. 

The lead agencies will provide a schedule for implementing the adopted mitigation measures 

and for reviewing the implementation of those measures. 
 

 

 2 

U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Railroad 

Administration 

As a programmatic document, the Program EIR/EIS does not analyze site-specific impacts of 

potential alignments or stations; therefore, it cannot predict with certainty which impacts will 

occur and what site-specific mitigation measures are appropriate for second-tier projects or 

actions. Consequently, the Program EIR/EIS describes mitigation strategies that are 

approaches tailored to address the types of impacts anticipated as a result of LOSSAN rail 

corridor improvements. These strategies will provide the basis to structure more site-specific 

measures when more detailed data on the impacts is available at the second-tier. In addition, 

the Department has committed to design practices and policies that will be used to develop 

alignment alternatives at the project-level to avoid impacts and to help shape specific mitigation 

measures. 

At this program level of planning, the Department is responsible for tracking the mitigation and 

incorporating it into future studies that it undertakes, but a monitoring plan cannot yet be 

developed. For the next phases of environmental analysis, a monitoring plan will be developed 

as part of each project that includes more specific timing for the mitigation measures, and 

additional parties may be identified with responsibility for implementing the measures. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Work with state, federal, regional, and local governments and affected transit agen

to develop specific project construction and operations mitigation measures. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Improve intercity travel on primary routes for access to stations by implementing s

or all of the following approaches: • Transportation System Management (TSM) / Signal Optimization including 

retiming, rephrasing, and signal optimization; turn prohibitions, use of one-way 

streets, and traffic diversion to alternate routes; 

• Local spot widening of curves that allows for geometric improvements without 

significant right-of-way acquisition; and 

• Major intersection improvements (full lane widening), which require significant 

right-of-way acquisition to accommodate additional left-turn and/or through lan

Traffic and Circulation 

Traffic and circulation 

 Consult and coordinate with public transit service providers to seek adequate bus 

feeder routes to serve proposed station areas which could mitigate potential transimpacts. 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Expansion of parking at existing stations and efficient design of ingress and egres

new or expanded parking areas will minimize increases in air emissions in and arostation areas. For new stations, use efficient design that minimizes train, bus, and automobile idling time and that will also minimize increases in emissions. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Install diesel particulate filters on locomotives. 

Air Quality Long-term 

operational air quality impacts 

 Use liquefied natural gas for engines. 

1 Timing for implementing mitigation measures is noted here as D (design phase), C (construction phase), and/or O (opera

design phase includes project-level environmental evaluations and permitting; the construction phase includes pre-construthrough post-construction cleanup and restoration of project sites. The operations phase refers to long-term operating cond

corridor. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

 Reduce idling time to reduce diesel particulate matter and other emissions  Install anti-idling devices on locomotives, designed to automatically shut-off the ma

diesel internal combustion engine used for locomotive motive power after a specifitime period when specified parameters (e.g., engine water temperature, ambient temperature, battery charge, railcar brake pressure, etc.) are at acceptable levels, automatically restart the engine when parameters are no longer at acceptable leve

 Retrofit head-end power units (HEPs) in passenger locomotives with after-treatme

technologies to reduce emissions. 

 Use a combination of lean-NOx catalyst and diesel particulate filter. 

 Design stations and associated ingress/egress to provide efficient vehicle moveme

to reduce idling time and congestion. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Water all active construction areas at least twice daily.  Require that all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials be covered or 

maintain at least two feet of freeboard. 

 Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply non-toxic soil stabilizers on all unpav

access roads, parking areas and staging areas at active construction sites. 

 Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved access roads, parking areas and stag

areas at active construction sites. 

 Sweep nearby streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil materials from 

LOSSAN construction are carried onto adjacent public streets. 

 Hydroseed or apply non-toxic soil stabilizers to inactive construction areas (previo

graded areas inactive for ten days or more). 

 Enclose, cover, water twice daily or apply non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockp

of dirt, sand, etc. 

 Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph.  Install sand bags or other erosion control measures to prevent silt runoff to public 

roads. 

Short-term construction air quality impacts 

 Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

 Use alternative fuels for construction equipment when feasible.  Minimize equipment idling time.  Maintain properly tuned equipment. DESIGN PRACTICES:  Many of the alignment options carried forward to project-level analysis are in tunne

trenches. For these options, potential for substantial operational noise will be greareduced.

 Where the existing rail corridor is proposed to be grade separated, noise would be 

reduced. Grade separation would eliminate existing horn sounding and warning be

at grade crossings resulting in noise benefits that would offset much of the noise impact attributable to increased rail service along the corridor.

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Evaluate use of noise barriers, such as sound walls, where there are severe noise 

impacts, and incorporate appropriate measures..

 Require noise reduction in rail equipment design and track structures design. 

Increased noise from train operations 

 Where not already included in conceptual design, place alignment sections in tunn

trenches or behind berms where feasible and where other measures are not availa

to reduce severe noise impacts.

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Use enclosures or walls to surround noisy construction equipment, and install muf

on engines; substitute quieter equipment or construction methods where feasible, minimizing time of operation and locating equipment farther from sensitive recepto

 Suspend construction between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am and/or on weekends or holid

in residential areas; avoid placing noisy equipment in quiet areas and areas that acurrently at severe noise levels; restrict truck operations during nighttime hours. 

 Require contractors to take into account local sound control and noise level rules, 

regulations and ordinances. 

Noise and Vibration 

Short-term construction noise impacts 

 Ensure that each internal combustion engine would be equipped with a muffler of 

type recommended by the manufacturer. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

 Specify the use of the quietest available construction equipment where appropriate 

and feasible. 

 Turn off construction equipment during prolonged periods of non-use.  Require contractors to maintain all equipment and to train their equipment operato Locate noisy stationary construction equipment away from noise sensitive receptoMITIGATION MEASURES:  Specify the use of train and track technologies that minimize ground vibration such 

state of the art suspensions, resilient track pads, tie pads, ballast mats or floating slabs. 

Exposure to groundborne vibration 

 Phase construction activity, use low impact construction techniques, and avoid use 

vibrating construction equipment where possible to avoid construction vibration impacts. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Minimize grade changes in steep terrain areas to reduce the use of diesel fuel.  Maximize intermodal transit connections to reduce automobile VMT related to the 

system. 

 Develop and implement a construction energy conservation plan.  Use newer, more energy efficient construction equipment. 

Energy Energy use for 

construction and operation 

 Implement a program to encourage carpooling or use of public transportation by 

workers going to and from construction sites. 

Land Use Land use 

compatibility and property impacts 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Continue to apply design practices to minimize property needed for LOSSAN rail 

corridor improvements and to stay within or adjacent to existing transportation 

corridors to the extent feasible. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Coordinate with cities and counties along the corridor to develop project facilities t

are consistent with land use planning processes and zoning ordinances to the extefeasible. 

Compatibility with land uses 

 Establish requirements for station-area planning and opportunities for transit-orien

development where existing stations are expanded or new stations are developed

Community or neighborhood barriers 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Mitigation measures to reduce the effects of any existing or exacerbated barrier ef

will be evaluated at the project-level environmental review and could include additgrade separation of rail lines and streets, new pedestrian crossings, new c

connection points, improved visual quality of project facilities, and traffic manage

plans to maintain access during and after construction. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Provide opportunities for community involvement early in project-level studies.  Conduct design workshops within each affected neighborhood to develop 

understanding of key linkages (automobile, bicycle, pedestrian) across the rail coso that those linkages can be preserved, including the use of grade-sepacrossings. 

 Develop facility, landscape, and public art design standards for project facilities 

corridors that reflect the character of adjacent affected neighborhoods. 

 Ensure that connectivity (pedestrian/bicycle and vehicular crossings) across th

corridor is maintained where necessary to maintain neighborhood integrity. 

 Develop traffic management plans to reduce barrier effects during construction.  To the extent feasible, maintain connectivity during construction. 

Impacts to neighborhoods and disruption to communities during construction 

 Maintain high level of visual quality of project facilities in neighborhood area

implementing such measures as visual buffers, trees and other landsca
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

architectural design and public artwork. 

 Develop procurement specifications and incentives for construction contractor

reducing the duration and disruption of infrastructure construction. Requirements include restrictions on construction vehicle traffic and routes, haul routes, houconstruction activity, and advance public notification of all closures or expected tdelays. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Potential land use displacement and property acquisition (temporary use and/or 

permanent, residential and non-residential property) are expected to be avoided to extent feasible by considering further alignment adjustments and design changes the future at the project level. 

 Design strategies would be developed for application at the project level to avoid o

minimize the temporary or permanent acquisition of residential and non-residentiaproperty 

Impacts to property 

 Access modifications, including over- or under-crossings, may be required to mitig

impacts arising from temporary or permanent property acquisitions where land useare divided or otherwise disrupted. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  EO 12898 requires federal agencies to ensure effective public participation and ac

to information. Consequently, a key component of compliance with EO 12898 is outreach to the potentially affected minority and/or low-income population to disco

issues of importance that otherwise may not be apparent. Outreach to affected communities would be conducted as part of the decision-making process, and this outreach would be documented. 

Environmental Justice impacts 

 DOT Order 5610.2 requires DOT agencies to develop procedures to provide 

meaningful opportunities for public involvement by members of minority populationduring activities including identification of mitigation measures. Minority and low income populations would be provided access to information about health and environmental impacts, measures to avoid, minimize and/or to mitigate any disproportionately high and adverse effects and offsetting benefits and opportunitieenhance affected communities, neighborhoods, or individuals during an outreach 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

program conducted as part of the decision-making process. 

 In addition to examining all impacts, specific attention would be given to the perma

impact categories that are commonly of concern for this type of project and to thosthat previously have been identified as being of concern. These include: 

• Air quality • Noise and vibration • Public health • Visual resource/aesthetics • Parklands • Relocation 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Work with local agencies and communities at the project level to develop contextsensitive aesthetic designs and treatments for rail infrastructure, including bridges

tunnel portals and stations. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  At the project level, design proposed facilities that are attractive in their own right a

that would integrate well into landscape contexts, so as to reduce potential view blockage, contrast with existing landscape settings, light and shadow effects, and other potential visual impacts. 

 Design bridges and elevated track with graceful lines and minimal apparent bulk a

shading effects. Consider contoured, rounded edges for columns and other structuelements. 

 In lagoon areas of northern San Diego County, consider new bridge or causeway 

structures that would open up lagoon views as well as mitigate or enhance biologiand hydrologic conditions. 

 Where at-grade or depressed route segments pass through or along the edge of 

residential areas or heavily traveled roadways, install landscape treatments along 

edge of the right-of-way to provide partial screening and to visually integrate the riof-way into the residential context. 

Aesthetics and visual resources 

 Visual impacts, light and glare, new visual contrasts 

 Night lighting at stations will be the minimum required for operations and safety. U
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

shielded and hooded outdoor lighting directed to the area where the lighting is required, and use sensors and timers for lights not required to be on all the time. 

 Design new stations to minimize potential shadow impacts on adjacent pedestrian 

areas, parks, and residential areas. 

 Seed or plant areas outside the operating rail trackbed that are disturbed by cut, fi

grading to blend with surrounding vegetated areas, where the land will support plaUse native vegetation in appropriate locations and densities. 

 Use strategic plantings of fast-growing trees to provide partial or full screening of 

elevated structures where they are close to residential areas, parks, and public opspaces. 

DESIGN PRACTICES: Avoid potential utility conflicts during design to the extent feasible.  Coordinate on-site with utility representatives during construction in the vicinity of 

critical infrastructure such as high-voltage overhead or underground transmission 

lines, high-pressure gas pipelines, or canals. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Make adjustments during engineering design to the horizontal and vertical profiles 

rail infrastructure to avoid crossing or interfering with major utility right-of-way or facilities. 

Public Utilities 

Conflicts with existing and planned utilities 

 If avoidance is not feasible, perform relocation, reconstruction, and/or restoration o

utility infrastructure in consultation and coordination with the utility owner. Options could include consolidating several underground utilities into one conduit, or protein place transmission lines, substations, and other affected facilities. 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Avoid and minimize potential impacts related to hazardous materials and waste 

through design refinement and use of best practices during construction. 

Hazardous Materials and Wastes 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Investigate soils and groundwater for contamination and prepare environmental sit

assessments when necessary. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

 Realignment of rail improvement option, and/or relocate of proposed stations to av

identified sites and remediation of identified hazardous material / waste contamina

 Prior to demolition of buildings or existing structures such as bridges for project 

construction, survey for lead-based paint and asbestos-containing materials. 

 Follow Best Management Practices for testing, treating, and disposing of water, an

acquire necessary permits if ground dewatering is required. 

 When indicated by project level environmental site assessments, perform Phase II 

environmental site assessments in conformance with the ASTM Standards related 

the Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process to identify specific mitigation measures. 

 Prepare prior to construction and then implement a Site Management 

Program/Contingency Plan prior to construction to address known and potential hazardous material issues, including: 

a. Measures to address management of contaminated soil and groundwater; b. Site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP), including measures to protect 

construction workers and general public; and 

c. Procedures to protect workers and the general public in the event that unknow

contamination or buried hazards are encountered. 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Avoid to extent feasible and practical all cultural resources and impacts to Native 

American resources through careful alignment design and selection. 

 Develop procedures during project-level reviews for fieldwork, evaluation, and 

determination of potential impacts to cultural resources in consultation with SHPO Native American tribes. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Avoid the impact, or when avoidance is not feasible, minimize the scale of the imp

to the extent practical. 

 Incorporate the site into parks or open space.  Provide on-site monitoring if sites are suspected of containing human remains. 

Cultural and Paleontological Resources 

Impacts to archaeological resources and traditional cultural properties 

 Cap or cover the cultural site before construction. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

 Provide data recovery for the archaeological resources, which may include excava

of an adequate sample of the site contents so that research questions applicable tsite can be addressed. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Avoid the impact through project design. Prepare and utilize a treatment plan for 

protection of historic properties/resources that would describe methods to preservstabilize, shore/underpin, and monitor buildings, structures, and objects. 

 Avoid high vibration construction techniques in sensitive areas  Record and document cultural resources that would be adversely affected by the 

project to the standards of the Historic American Building Survey or Historic AmeriEngineering Record. 

 Develop and implement design guidelines to ensure sympathetic, compatible, and 

appropriate designs for new construction. 

 Consult with architectural historians or historical architects to advise on appropriat

architectural treatment of the structural design of proposed new structures. Preparinterpretive and/or educational materials and programs regarding the affected histproperties/resources. Materials may include a popular report, documentary videosbooklets, and interpretive signage. 

 Make interpretive information available to state and local agencies, such as salvag

items, historic drawings, interpretive drawings, current and historic photographs, models, and oral histories. Also assist with archiving and digitizing the documentaof the cultural resources affected, and disseminating material to the appropriate repositories. 

 Relocate and rehabilitate historic properties/resources that would otherwise be 

demolished because of the project. 

 Monitor project construction to ensure it conforms to design guidelines and any oth

treatment procedures agreed to by the parties consulting pursuant to Section 106 the National Historic Preservation Act. Repair inadvertent damage to historic properties/resources in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards fTreatment of Historic Properties. 

Impacts to historic properties/ resources 

 Salvage selected decorative or architectural elements of the adversely affected his
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

properties/resources, and retain and incorporate salvaged items into new construcwhere possible. If reuse is not possible, make salvaged items available for use in interpretive displays near the affected resources or in an appropriate museum. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Educate construction workers so that they can recognize and preserve/protect 

paleontological resources. 

 Recover fossils identified during the field reconnaissance.  Monitor construction to identify and protect paleontological resources from loss or 

damage. 

Impacts to paleontological resources 

 Develop protocols for handling fossils discovered during construction, such as 

temporary suspension of construction so that the discovered fossils can will be 

recovered, identified, prepared for dating interpreting, and preservation at an established, permanent, accredited research facility. 

DESIGN PRACTICES:

 Avoid major, active fault crossings, oil fields, and landslide problem area to the ext

feasible. 

 Design and engineer all structures for earthquake activity using the Department’s 

Seismic Design Criteria.

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Design and build structures to withstand anticipated ground motion, using design 

options such as redundancy and ductility. 

 Mitigate liquefaction and resulting structural damage and traffic hazards using: (1) 

ground modification techniques such as soil densification; and (2) structural designsuch as deep foundations. 

 Utilize motion sensing instruments to provide ground motion data and a control sy

to temporarily shut down rail operations during or after an earthquake to reduce ris

 Design and install foundations resistant to soil liquefaction and settlement.  Identify potential serpentinite bedrock disturbance areas and implement a safety p

Geology and Soils 

Seismic hazards, surface rupture, and ground shaking from earthquakes 

 Apply Section 19 requirements from the most current Department Standard 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

Specifications to ensure geotechnically stable slopes are planned and created. 

 Install passive or active gas venting systems and gas collection systems in areas 

where subsurface gases are identified. 

 Remove corrosive soil and use corrosion protected materials in infrastructure.  Address erosive soils through soil removal and replacement, geosynthetics, 

vegetation, and or rip/rap, where warranted. 

 Remove or moisture condition shrink/swell soils.  Utilize stone columns, grouting, and deep dynamic compaction in areas of potentia

liquefaction. 

 Utilize buttress berms, flattened slopes, drains, and/or tie-backs in areas of slope 

instability. 

 Avoid settlement through preloading, use of stone columns, deep dynamic 

compaction, grouting, and/or special foundation designs. 

 Install early warning systems triggered by strong ground motion associated with 

ground rupture, such as linear monitoring systems (e.g., time domain reflectometealong major highways and rail lines within the zone of potential rupture to provide warnings and allow for temporary control of rail and automobile traffic to avoid and reduce risks. 

 Avoid active faults to the extent possible. Where avoidance is not possible, cross 

active faults at grade and perpendicular to the fault line. 

 Continue to modify alignments to avoid crossing known or mapped active faults wi

tunnels. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Install temporary and permanent slope reinforcement and protection, based on 

geotechnical investigations, and review of proposed earthwork and foundation excavation plans. 

 Conduct geotechnical inspections during construction to verify that no new, 

unanticipated conditions are encountered. 

Slope instability and landslides 

 Incorporate slope monitoring in final design. 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Identify areas of potentially difficult excavation to ensure safe practices.  Focus future geotechnical engineering and geologic investigations in areas of 

potentially difficult excavation. 

 Monitor conditions during and after construction. 

Difficult excavation 

 Employ tunnel excavation and lining techniques to ensure safety. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Follow federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulatory 

requirements for excavations. 

 Consult with other agencies such as the Department of Conservation’s Division of 

and Gas, or the Department of Toxic Substances Control regarding known areas oconcern. 

 Use safe and explosion-proof equipment during construction.  Test for gases regularly.  Install monitoring systems and alarms in underground construction areas and facil

where subsurface gases are present. 

Hazards related to oil and gas fields 

 Install gas barrier systems. 

Hydrology and Water Resources 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Utilize existing rail and other transportation corridors to extent practical for the 

proposed rail improvements to minimize potential impacts to hydrological resource

bisecting sensitive areas and creating new crossings or encroachments on water resources. 

 Work with regulatory agencies to develop acceptable, specific design and construc

standards for lagoon and stream crossings, including, but not limited to, maintaininopen surface (bridged versus closed culvert) crossings, infrastructure setbacks, erosion control measures, sediment controlling excavation/fill practices, and other Management Practices. 

 Retain or reduce the existing in-water footprint of lagoon crossing structures. Pro

level analyses and agency consultation, along with more detailed design work, w

used to evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts and benefits of repla
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

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U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

Potential 

Impact / Issue 

Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

structures and/or removing existing fill in the lagoons. Design of new structures winclude features that minimize the amount of discharge into these waters, suclonger bridge spans to minimize the number of in-water structures, designs minimize the need for rock-slope stabilization at bridge abutments, etc. 

 For alignment options in tunnels, geologic exploration including groundwater samp

would be completed prior to construction. The geologic/soils/groundwater conditiowould be evaluated prior to and monitored during construction to aid in the development of construction techniques and measures to minimize effects to grouand surface-water resources. Design fully lined tunnels with impermeable material prevent infiltration of ground- or surface waters. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Minimize the footprint of facilities within the floodplain where they cannot be avoide

through design changes or the use of aerial structures and tunnels. 

 Avoid or minimize construction of facilities within floodplains where feasible. Asses

feasible facility redesign or modification to minimize flooding risk and potential haror within the floodplain. 

Impacts on floodplains 

 Where feasible, restored floodplains impacted by construction so they operate as 

before construction. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Use construction methods and facility designs to minimize the potential 

encroachments onto surface water resources, particularly coastal lagoon areas. 

 Coordinate lagoon crossing designs with resource agencies and local lagoon 

restoration and enhancement plans. 

 Evaluate and where feasible provide for replacement of existing embankments wit

lagoons with bridge structures, in consultation with responsible agencies and entitand in coordination with other projects such as the I-5 North Coast Project. 

Impacts on surface waters 

 Minimize sediment transport caused by construction by following best managemen

practices (BMPs) as part of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPD

and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements that will be included in construction permits. BMPs may include measures such as: 

a. Providing permeable surfaces where feasible; 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

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U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

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Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

b. Retaining and treating stormwater onsite using catch basins and filtering wet 

basins; 

c. Minimizing the contact of construction materials, equipment, and maintenance 

supplies with stormwater; 

d. Reducing erosion through soil stabilization, watering for dust control, installing 

perimeter silt fences, placing rice straw bales, and installing sediment basins; 

e. Maintaining water quality by using infiltration systems, detention systems, rete

systems, constructed wetland systems, filtration systems, biofiltration/bioretensystems, grass buffer strips, ponding areas, organic mulch layers, planting soibeds, sand beds, and vegetated systems such as swales and grass filter strips designed to convey and treat fallow flow (swales) or sheetflow (filter strips) run

 Use methods such as habitat restoration, reconstruction of habitat on-site, and 

providing offsite habitat replacement to minimize surface water quality impacts. 

 Comply with mitigation measures included in permits issued under sections 404 an

401 of the federal Clean Water Act. 

 Comply with requirements in the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan to reduce 

pollutants in storm water discharges and the potential for erosion and sedimentatio

 Comply with requirements of Section 10 of the federal Rivers and Harbors Act for 

required around a water body designated as navigable and applicable permit requirements. 

 Comply with the requirements of state Streambed Alteration Agreements for work 

along the banks of various surface water bodies. 

 Implement a spill prevention and emergency response plan to handle potential fue

other spills. 

 Where feasible, avoid significant development of facilities in areas that may have 

substantial erosion risk, including areas with erosive soils or steep slopes. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Minimize development of facilities in areas that may have substantial groundwater 

discharge or affect recharge. 

Impacts to groundwater 

 Apply for, obtain, and comply with conditions of applicable waste discharge permit

part of project-level review 
LOSSAN Mitigation, Monitoring a

Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements 

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration 

Resource 

Area 

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Design Practices and Mitigation Measures (Program EIR/EIS) 

(To Be Further Evaluated at Project Level)

 Develop and implement facility designs that are elevated, or at a minimum are 

permeable, and would not affect recharge potential where construction is required 

areas of potentially substantial groundwater discharge or recharge. 

 Develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for grading, with 

Management Practices that would control release of contaminants nears areas of surface water or groundwater recharge. Best Management Practices may include constraining fueling and other sensitive activities to alternative locations, providing pans under some equipment, and providing daily checks of vehicle condition. 

 Use and retain native materials with high infiltration potential at the ground surface 

areas that are critical to infiltration for groundwater recharge. 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Utilize existing transportation corridors and rail lines to minimize potential impacts 

biological resources in sensitive areas. 

 Underpasses, overpasses, or other appropriate structures would be designed at 

reasonable intervals to avoid, minimize and/or mitigate any potential impacts to wimovement. 

 Use in-line construction access (using existing or new rail infrastructure for access 

materials movement) in sensitive areas to avoid access impacts to biological resources. Use helicopter access for geologic exploration in lagoon areas to avoid need for access roads in undisturbed areas. 

 Use or reuse excavated materials within the confines of the project, and avoid or 

minimize impacts in sensitive areas of placement of excess material. 

 Retain or reduce the existing in-water footprint of lagoon crossing structures. Pro

level analyses and agency consultation, along with more detailed design work, w

used to evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts and benefits of replastructures and/or removing existing fill in the lagoons. Design of new structures winclude features that minimize the amount of discharge into these waters, suclonger bridge spans to minimize the number of in-water structures, designs minimize the need for rock-slope stabilization at bridge abutments, etc. 

Biological Resources and Wetlands 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Biological Resources Management Plans (BRMPs) would be prepared to specify t
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design and implementation of biological resources mitigation measures, including habitat replacement and revegetation, protection during construction, performance (growth) standards, maintenance criteria, and monitoring requirements. The USFWCDFG, and USACE would review Draft BRMPs. The primary goal of a BRMP is to ensure the long-term perpetuation of the existing diversity of habitats in the project area and adjacent urban interface zones. BRMPs will contain the following: 

a. Specific measures for the protection of sensitive amphibian, mammal, bird, and 

plant species during construction. 

b. Identification and quantification of habitats to be removed, along with the locati

where these habitats are to be restored or relocated. 

c. Procedures for vegetation analyses of adjacent protected habitats to estimate t

relative composition; site preparation (clearing, grading, weed eradication, soil amendment, topsoil storage); irrigation, planting (container plantings, seeding)maintenance (weed control, irrigation system checks, replanting). This informawould be used to determine the requirements for revegetation areas. 

d. Sources of plant materials and methods of propagation. e. Specific parameters for the determination of the amount of replacement habitat 

temporary disturbance areas. 

f. Specification of parameters for maintenance and monitoring of re-established 

habitats, including weed control measures, frequency of field checks, and monitoring reports for temporary disturbance areas. 

g. Specification of performance standards for growth of re-established plant 

communities and cut-and-fill slopes. 

h. Remedial measures to be taken if performance standards are not met. i. Methodologies and requirements for monitoring of the restoration/replacement 

efforts. 

j. Measures to preserve topsoil and control erosion control. k. Design of protective fencing around Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) a

construction staging areas. 

l. Specification of location and quantities of gallinaceous guzzlers (catch 

basin/artificial watering structures, if needed); specification of monitoring of walevels in guzzlers. 

m. Location of trees to be protected as wildlife habitat (roosting sites) and location

planting of replacement trees. 

n. Specification of the purpose, type, frequency, and extent of chemical use for in
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and disease control operations as part of vegetative maintenance within sensithabitat areas. 

o. Specific construction monitoring programs for sensitive species. p. Specific measures for the protection of sensitive habitats to be preserved. Thes

measures may include, but are not limited to, erosion and siltation control measures, protective fencing guidelines, dust control measures, grading techniques, construction area limits, and biological monitoring requirements. 

q. Provisions for biological monitoring during construction activities to ensure 

compliance and success of protective measures. The monitoring procedures w(1) identify specific locations of wildlife habitat and sensitive species to be monitored; (2) identify the frequency of monitoring, monitoring methodology (foeach habitat and sensitive species to be monitored); (3) list required qualificatioof biological monitor(s); and (4) identify reporting requirements. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Reduce impacts to plant communities by use of construction monitoring, on- and/o

site revegetation/restoration, and purchase of existing mitigation bank credit. On-smitigation is preferred. Off-site mitigation should be located within the same watersor in close proximity to the impact area. 

 Consult with regulatory agencies to determine and establish appropriate mitigation 

ratios. 

 Measures to mitigate potential impacts to sensitive plant species may include preconstruction focused surveys, construction monitoring, restoration of suitable bree

and foraging habitat, relocation of plants, seed collection, plant propagation, outplanting to a suitable mitigation site, purchase of credits from an existing mitigation bank, and participation in an existing Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). 

Impacts to plant communities and sensitive plant species 

 Prevent the spread of weeds during construction and operation by identifying area

with existing weed problems and measures to control traffic moving out of those asuch as cleaning construction vehicles or limiting the movement of fill. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Measures to mitigate potential impacts to sensitive wildlife species may include pr

construction focused surveys, construction monitoring, restoration of suitable breeand foraging habitat, and participation in an existing HCP. 

Impacts to sensitive wildlife species and wildlife movement / migration corridors 

 Record locations of observed species on construction drawings and phase 
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construction to avoid the breeding season. 

 Construct wildlife underpasses, bridges, and/or large culverts, to facilitate known 

wildlife movement corridors. 

 Ensure that wildlife crossings are of a design, shape, and size to be sufficiently 

attractive to encourage wildlife use. 

 Provide appropriate vegetation to wildlife overcrossings and undercrossings to affo

cover and other species requirements. 

 Design functional corridors to provide connectivity to protected land zoned for use

that provide wildlife permeability. The following measures would be used in the deof wildlife movement corridors: 

a. Identify the habitat areas the corridor is designed to connect b. Select several species of interest from the species present in the area c. Evaluate the relevant needs of each selected species d. For each potential corridor, evaluate how the area will accommodate movemen

each species of interest 

e. Draw the corridors on a map f. Design and implement a monitoring program 

 Use aerial structures or tunnels to allow for unhindered crossing by wildlife. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Return degraded habitat to pre-existing conditions  Create new habitat by converting non-wetland habitats into wetland or other aquat

habitat. 

 Enhance existing wetlands by increasing one or more functions through activities s

as plantings or non-native vegetation eradication. 

 Provide for passive revegetation by allowing a disturbed area to revegetate natura Purchase credits in an existing wetlands or aquatic habitat mitigation bank. 

Impacts to jurisdictional waters and wetlands; impacts to lagoon areas 

 Provide in-lieu fee payments to an agency or other entity that will provide aquatic 

habitat conservation or restoration. 
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 Develop and implement measures to address the “no net loss” policy for wetlands Emphasize on-site mitigation over off-site mitigation, and for off-site mitigation pref

location within the same watershed or as close in proximity to the area of impact apossible. 

 Work with resource agencies and lagoon organizations to develop and implement 

mitigation planning and monitoring program to determine impacts and mitigation effectiveness for sensitive species and habitats in lagoon areas. Elements may incdocumenting baseline conditions, monitoring mitigation to determine effectiveness compatibility with lagoon restoration programs, and coordinating to the extent feasthe rail improvements construction with other projects in lagoon areas. 

DESIGN PRACTICES:  Utilize existing rail and other transportation corridors to avoid and/or minimize imp

to adjacent parks and recreational lands. 

 Continue to refine alignment designs to avoid or minimize impacts to park resourc

and recreational resources.

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Apply measures at the project level to reduce and minimize indirect/proximity impa

as appropriate for the particular sites affected, while avoiding other adverse impac(e.g., visual), such as noise barriers, visual buffers and landscaping.

 Apply measures to modify access to/egress from the recreational resource to redu

impacts to these resources. 

 Design and construct cuts, fill, and aerial structures to avoid and minimize visual 

impacts to units of the state park system. 

 Inventory and record affected historic structures, and provide appropriate mitigatio

adverse effects to historic structures. 

 Incorporate wildlife under or over crossings at appropriate intervals as necessary.  Restore affected park lands to natural state and replace or restore affected park 

facilities. 

Section 4(f) and 6(f) Resources (Public Parks and Recreation) 

Impacts to parks and recreational resources 

 Require appropriate vehicle cleaning for all construction equipment used near unit
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the California State Park System to protect against spreading of exotic plants or disease. 

 If park facilities must be relocated, provide planning studies as well as appropriate 

design and replacement with minimal impact on park use. 

 Use local native plants for revegetation.  Develop and implement construction practices, including scheduling, to limit impac

wildlife, wildlife corridors and visitor use areas within public parks. 

 Use best management practices during construction and maintenance to protect 

wetland resources. 

 For temporary loss of park and recreation uses consider providing compensation.  Where public parklands acquired with public funds would be acquired for non-park 

as part of the LOSSAN rail corridor improvements, commit as required by law to providing funds for the acquisition of substantially equivalent substitute parkland oacquiring/providing substitute parkland of comparable characteristics for constructimpacts. 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  For any localized growth impacts around expanded or new stations, coordinated e

in project-level reviews with local jurisdictions on land use plans and any necessarcontrols to minimize impacts.

Growth Inducement 

Localized growth impacts around station sites 

 Develop station designs compatible with local land use plans, and that maximize 

intermodal traffic and transfers and reduce congestion around stations. 

Cumulative Impacts

Traffic circulation and travel conditions 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  Strategies can be developed, in consultation with state, federal, regional, and loca

governments and affected transit agencies, to improve the flow of intercity travel oprimary routes and access to the proposed stations or airports and to reduce traffiimpacts including: 

1. Regional strategies would include coordination with Regional Transportation 

planning and Intelligent Transportation System Strategies. 

2. Local improvements could employ TSM/Signal Optimization; local spot widenin

curves; and major intersection improvements. 
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3. Traffic Management Plans would be prepared prior to construction, in coordina

with local jurisdictions and agencies. 

4. Promote transit-oriented development around existing stations to provide 

coordinated planning of travel ways, parking and ingress/egress to new or expanded station locations. 

5. Federal, state, and local transportation entities should conduct coordinated and 

concurrent reviews of construction activities and schedules to streamline the number and duration of traffic delays resulting from multiple project developme

6. Federal, state, and local transportation entities involved with rail improvements 

the I-5 North Coast Corridor project should coordinate planning, construction a

implementation efforts to reduce traffic impacts in the northern San Diego Counarea. 

Air quality impacts MITIGATION MEASURES: 

 Mitigation strategies to address localized air quality impacts include the following 

measures to reduce this impact: 

1. Grade separate highway-rail crossings to reduce vehicular delays and idling. 

2. Utilize energy efficient, cleaner locomotive technologies to reduce potential 

pollution. 

3. Promote the installation of diesel particulate filters, fleet turnover to newer 

technologies, and reduction of idling through infrastructure improvements and automatic anti-idling devices installed on locomotives. 

4. Minimize construction air emissions through timely revegetation of disturbed ar

watering of construction sites, street sweeping, soil stabilization, and restrictionequipment idling times. 

5. Promote joint construction planning with other federal, state, regional, and loca

transportation and transit agencies to streamline construction activities and redcumulative fugitive dust emissions. 

6. Promote increased use of public transit, alternative fueled vehicles, and parkin

carpools, bicycles, and other alternative transportation methods. 

Impacts on noise and vibration 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  The following mitigation strategies would be adopted to reduce cumulative noise 

impacts: 
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1. Joint planning with federal, state, regional, and local transportation and transit 

agencies to reduce construction related noise 

2. Construction associated with in-water work in the lagoons should be coordinate

with restoration projects to minimize impacts to sensitive and biological resourc

3. Use full grade separations at major roadways to avoid need for warning horns. 

4. Investigate the use of noise reduction infrastructure such as noise walls and ea

berms. 

5. Utilize grade separation to reduce noise to nearby sensitive receptors. 

6. Implement construction mitigation such as construction schedules during daytim

hours only, limiting haul truck hours, and choosing routes that avoid neighborhand recreational or open space. 

Energy MITIGATION MEASURES: 

 The mitigation strategies related to cumulative energy consumption include: 

1. Utilize grade separations to reduce vehicle and train idling and congestion. 2. Maximize intermodal transit connections to reduce automobile travel related to 

passenger rail service. 

3. Reduce construction impacts with a construction energy conservation plan, usi

new, more energy-efficient construction equipment, and implementing work programs for carpooling or public transportation. 

4. Implement joint construction planning to streamline construction activities. 

Impacts on land use and planning, communities and neighborhoods, property, and environmental justice 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  The mitigation strategies for LOSSAN contributions to cumulative land use impact

include: 

1. Design refinements around stations or other populated areas that would reduce 

avoid barrier effects or neighborhood impacts. 

2. Design practices to maximize use of existing rights-of-way, and incorporating 

strategies for stations to incorporate transit oriented design. 

3. Coordination with cities and counties in each region to ensure that project facil

would be consistent with land use planning processes and zoning ordinances. 

4. Joint planning, rail and highway work, to reduce construction duration and 

disturbances in and around coastal cities. 
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Impacts on aesthetics and visual resources 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  The following mitigation strategies would reduce cumulative visual impacts: 

1. Promote design practices that place existing and new rail infrastructure in a tun

or covered trench, or remove existing rail infrastructure from areas of high scenvalue and relocate it in tunnels. 

2. Promote design practices that avoid or minimize impact to coastal views of 

residences, beaches, and commercial establishments. 

3. Utilize design practices that will incorporate local agency and community input 

during subsequent project level environmental review in order to develop contesensitive aesthetic designs and treatments for infrastructure. 

4. Implement design practices that integrate into landscape contexts, reducing 

potential view blockage, contrast with existing landscape settings, and light and shadow effects. 

Impacts on public utilities 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  The mitigation strategies include the following to reduce cumulative impacts to util

1. Design measures that will avoid potential conflicts to the extent feasible and 

practical, including methods to avoid crossing or using utility rights-of-way, and modifying both the horizontal and vertical profiles of proposed rail improvemenEmphasis would be placed on detailed alignment design to avoid potential contribution to cumulative impacts from linear facilities on land use opportunitiand to minimize conflicts with existing major fixed public utilities and supportininfrastructure facilities. 

2. Participate in joint construction planning with other projects along the corridor 

where feasible to help reduce potential conflicts with utilities, as well as potent

provide opportunities for one-time relocation and/or protection of major utilities

3. Coordinate with utility representatives during construction in the vicinity of criti

infrastructure. 

Impacts on cultural and paleontological resources 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  The mitigation strategies include the following to reduce potential cumulative impa

to cultural and paleontological resources: 1. Joint implementation planning with other major projects along the corridor to 
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confirm presence of any sensitive areas and resources, and allow for coordinaprotection of those resources during construction. Also, jointly participate in darecovery and curation efforts if required by SHPO prior to construction. 

2. Continued consultation with SHPO would occur to define and describe genera

procedures to be applied in the future for fieldwork, method of analysis, and thdevelopment of specific mitigation measures to address effects and impacts to cultural resources, potentially resulting in a programmatic agreement between future lead agencies and SHPO. 

3. Consultation with Native American tribes would be conducted. 4. Avoid impacts through project-level identification of sensitive resources and pr

design refinements and alignment variations. 

5. Subsequent project level field studies to verify the location of cultural resource

would offer opportunities to avoid or minimize direct impacts on resources, bason the type of project, type of property, and impacts to the resource. 

Impacts on geology and soils 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  The mitigation strategies include the following to reduce cumulative impacts: 

1. Design practices will be used while preparing extensive alignment studies to 

ensure that potential effects related to major geologic hazards such as major fcrossings, oil fields, and landslide areas, will be avoided. 

2. Mitigation for potential impacts will be developed on a site-specific basis, base

detailed geotechnical studies to address ground shaking, fault crossings, slope stability/landslides, areas of difficult excavation, hazards related to oil and gas fields, and mineral resources. 

3. Encourage the removal of existing rail line from unstable coastal bluffs. This w

reduce the need for drainage and slope stabilization structures in these areas. 

4. Promote joint implementation planning with other projects along the corridor to 

provide opportunities for streamlined efforts regarding slope and soil stabilizatrevegetation, site-specific seismic studies and design refinements, and dewateduring construction. 

Impacts on hydrology and water resources 

MITIGATION MEASURES: 
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 The mitigation strategies include the following to reduce cumulative impacts: 

1. Design practices to reduce the amount of impermeable surfaces because at-g

alignments would consist of permeable track-fill 

2. Design practices to maximize use of existing rights-of-way and tunnels to mini

potential impacts on water resources. 

3. Design practices in lagoon areas of northern San Diego County to remove exi

embankments or fill with the construction of replacement causeway or open-cebridge structures. This would increase tidal flow in lagoon areas. 

4. Joint planning with I-5 North Coast Corridor Project and lagoon restoration pro

for coordinated bridge design, removal of fill, and demolition activities. Plan for major construction to occur during one time frame if project planning and fundinmakes this feasible, to reduce the number of disturbances within and around lagoon environments and to limit potential cumulative impacts of sedimentation turbidity. 

5. Joint mitigation planning and monitoring, water sampling studies before and af

construction, and other such technical studies that may contribute to the overahealth of lagoon hydrology. 

6. Coordinated planning and design of drainage facilities, catch basins, swales, o

other features associated with the rail project to potentially improve water qualidespite additional vehicular and rail traffic in the future. 

7. Avoidance and minimization measures would be incorporated into the 

development, design, and implementation phases. 

8. Close coordination with the regulatory agencies to develop specific design and 

construction standards for stream crossings, infrastructure setbacks, erosion control measures, sediment controlling excavation/fill practices, and other best management practices. 

9. Mitigation strategies specific to reconstruction, restoration, or replacement of th

resource will occur, in close coordination with state and federal resource agencrelated to flood plains; surface waters, runoff, and erosion; and groundwater. 

Impacts on biological resources and wetlands 

MITIGATION MEASURES:  The mitigation strategies include the following to reduce cumulative impacts to 

biological resources and wetlands: 
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1. Design practices to maximize use of existing rights-of-way to minimize potentia

impacts on biological resources and wetlands. 

2. Joint planning and implementation efforts would reduce impacts to lagoons and 

other areas of important habitat and wildlife movement corridors. 

3. Joint planning would provide opportunity for streamlining permits and regulator

requirements. Determine components of each phase and what tasks can be completed together as one project or multiple projects on the basis or programmatic permitting. 

4. Joint planning of maintenance activities after construction in sensitive areas to 

avoid duplication of maintenance equipment, coordinate schedules, reduce equipment disturbance, and potential of overlapping or excessive application oherbicides and other chemicals in sensitive environments. 

5. Avoidance and minimization measures would be incorporated into the 

development, design, and implementation phases. 

6. Close coordination will occur with the regulatory agencies to develop specific 

design and construction standards for stream crossings, infrastructure setbackmonitoring during construction, and other best management practices. 

7. Mitigation strategies specific to reconstruction, restoration, or replacement of t

resource will occur, in close coordination with state and federal resource agencrelated to wetlands. 

8. Field studies would be conducted to verify the location, in relation to the LOSS

alignments, of sensitive habitat, wildlife movement corridors, and wetlands. Thstudies would provide further opportunities to minimize and avoid potential imp

on biological resources through changes to the alignment plan and profile in sensitive areas. For example, the inclusion of design features such as elevatetrack structures over drainages and wetland areas and wildlife movement corriwould minimize potential impacts to wildlife and sensitive species. 

Impacts on Section 4(f) and 6(f) resources (public parks and recreational resources) 

 The mitigation strategies include the following and would reduce cumulative impac

Section 4(f) and 6(f) resources: 1. Design practices to include use of existing right-of-way and rail corridors or tun

to avoid or minimize impacts to parks and recreational resources. 

2. Joint planning implementation with other project proponents and state and loca

parks and recreation agencies and foundation to reduce construction-related 
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impacts, as well as to develop measures to minimize harm if required. 

3. Joint planning to coordinate enhancement efforts such as funding, interpretive 

materials along trails, or other public benefits. 

4. Incorporation of sound barriers (e.g., walls, berms or trenches), visual 

buffers/landscaping, and modification of transportation access to/egress from public lands and recreational resource. 

5. Incorporation of design modifications or controls on construction schedules, 

phasing, and activities 

6. Beautification measures. 7. Replacement of land or structures or their equivalents on or near their existing 

site(s). 

8. Tunneling, cut and cover, cut and fill of right-of-ways. 9. Treatment of embankments. 10. Planting, screening, creating wildlife corridors, acquisition of land for preservat

installation of noise barriers. 

11. Establishment of pedestrian or bicycle paths. 12. Other potential mitigation strategies could be identified during the public input 

process. 

 In the event that LOSSAN corridor alignments or facilities are located within or in c

proximity to public parks, the following mitigation strategies for natural, cultural, aesthetic and recreational impacts may be considered to offset the contribution to 

cumulative impact: 1. Compensation for temporary and loss of park and recreation use. 2. Recordation of any historic features removed. 

3. If necessary, provide alternative shuttle access service to park visitors. 

4. Restore directly impacted park lands to a natural state. 5. If any facilities must be relocated, provide planning studies as well as design a

appropriate replacement with minimal impact on park use. 

6. Inventory and record affected historic structures. Provide appropriate mitigatio

for adverse effects to historic structures. 
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7. Require appropriate vehicle cleaning for all construction equipment used near 

units of the California State Park System to protect against spreading exotic por disease. 

8. Use local native plants for revegetation. 9. Design and construct cuts, fills, and aerial structures to avoid and minimize vis

impact to units of the State Park System. 

10. In addressing impacts to wildlife movement corridors and habitat directly relate

California State Park System units, consult with the California Department of Pand Recreation. 

11. Incorporate wildlife under- or over-crossings as necessary. 12. Adopt construction practices to protect critical wildlife corridors and visitor use 

areas within public parks.